Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Tai Poutini PolytechnicThis course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
28 weeks
Next start date
Expected Apr 2026
Campus
Greymouth Campus
You will undertake eight weeks online training, 14 weeks on campus and six weeks work placement during this programme (your work placement may not be in Wānaka). Over the last 20 years, TPP’s Ski Patrol programme has produced some of the country’s finest ski patrollers. You’ll do your practical ski patrol training in Wānaka, one of New Zealand’s best ski destinations. Wānaka offers some of the most advanced skiing and riding terrain, including natural pipes, large open faces, terrain parks and great back county ski touring. Avalanche and first aid training is provided in a realistic environment on the ski field. The practical nature of the training equips you with the skills to become a certified ski patroller in line with industry needs. Our graduates are sought after by the global ski patrol industry and many have gone on to work overseas in Canada and Japan. The growing bike patrol in New Zealand are also seeking out graduates during the summer. We aim to produce graduates who are work ready. We aim for consistently high levels of situational and self-awareness, a strong work ethic, and a mature attitude to teamwork and leadership ability. Combined with skiing ability, these are the minimum skills required to gain a ski patrol job. Venue Picturesque Wānaka, in the South Island of New Zealand, is home to much of the programme. Wānaka is a popular holiday destination with domestic and international tourists year-round, due to its skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing and adventure tourism opportunities. Four amazing ski resorts are within a 90-minute drive of Wanaka. Students will be placed at one of a variety of New Zealand ski areas for a six-week work placement section of the programme. This will also include the North Island ski areas.
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